Toolbox

Quickly make 3⁄4-inch branch connections on black steel pipe with the new RIDGID® Press-In Branch Connector Tool Kit being introduced at AHR Expo today. Significantly faster when compared to traditional welding, it is ideal for adding gauges or 3⁄4-inch pipe in chilled water, compressed air, industrial gas and low-pressure steam system applications. Plumbers, pipe
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Quickly make 3⁄4-inch branch connections on black steel pipe with the new RIDGID® Press-In Branch Connector Tool Kit being introduced at AHR Expo today. Significantly faster when compared to traditional welding, it is ideal for adding gauges or 3⁄4-inch pipe in chilled water, compressed air, industrial gas and low-pressure steam system applications.

Plumbers, pipe fabricators and maintenance professionals working on 11⁄2-inch to 6-inch black steel pipe will not only save time but also eliminate fire risk and avoid the additional expense of a fire safety watch.

The Connector Tool Kit includes an expander that fits all RIDGID standard press tools, including the RP 340, RP 330, RP 320 and CT-400, and works with Viega Press-In Branch Adapter Fittings. The kit also contains fitting positioning guides, an arbor shaft assembly, drill guide, and vacuum adapters.

The hole saw arbor attaches to standard drills, includes an M27 hole saw, and is designed to prevent the saw from penetrating both sides of the pipe; while the vacuum adapters allow for connection to standard size vacuum hoses to help reduce steel chips falling into the pipe while making the branch. Both the positioning and drill guides ensure proper placement against the pipe.

“The RIDGID Press-In Branch Connector Tool Kit takes our standard press tools up a notch. This accessory kit not only reduces complexity, but more importantly, it speeds up the process when creating branches,” said Rob Trefz, RIDGID Director of Business Development and Marketing. “Particularly in industrial gas settings, when you can eliminate flames and a fire watch, it provides significant project cost savings.”

The Universal Dust Extractor (DWH161) is an OSHA Table 1-compliant cordless, lightweight, and highly portable solution optimized for a wide range of tools and applications including SDS+ Rotary Hammers for drilling and chipping, percussion hammer drills, drywall cutout tools, sanders, routers, and jig saws. This compact tool offers mobile dust extraction for a wide variety of applications and jobsites and is lightweight at only 4.39 lbs., with the included 2.0Ah battery. In addition to its compact size, the Universal Dust Extractor also features multiple strap positions for enhanced ergonomics and an extra-large dust containment box which facilitates productivity by limiting the need to empty the box frequently. By also incorporating wireless tool control, a newly announced feature found on other DEWALT Dust Extractors such as the DCV585, the user can pair the extractor with a tool or fob for remote activation. Finally, powered by a 20V MAX* brushless motor, the Universal Dust Extractor is the ultimate in versatile dust extraction, capable of long runtime in demanding applications.

The SDS+ Dust Extraction Tube Kit comes equipped with three interchangeable tubes for use with 10-inch and 6-inch SDS+ Drill Bits and Chisels plus a tube optimized for a wide range of stop bits, including standard and mini. In addition, the SDS+ Dust Extraction Tube Kit features a 3-ft. long antistatic hose with an AIRLOCK® connection and a side handle that includes an integrated depth stop and allows dust collection to be removed when not in use. Various adapter rings are included, allowing users to adapt to not only SDS+ Rotary Hammers but also Corded and Cordless Drill/Drivers and Hammer Drills.

DEWALT offers 120 OSHA Table 1 Compliant** Solutions for drilling, cutting, and grinding tools, dust extractors, accessories, and shrouds intended to limit workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The line also includes the recently launched FLEXVOLT® 60V MAX* Dust Extractor (DCV585). Each is part of the line of DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ tools designed to provide a high level of protection in one or more of the following: control, dust containment or low vibration, without sacrificing performance. For a list of the DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ drilling and grinding solutions that adhere to the new OSHA ruling on protections for workers exposed to respirable silica dust, go to DEWALT.com.

**Compliant to the Exposure Control Methods described in Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153 when outlined components are operated and maintained in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions, assuming that airflow is measured in accordance with the motor/fan system test. OSHA is reviewing the exact requirements for dust extraction in these applications.

†World of Concrete® is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood Exhibitions, Inc., which has not endorsed or approved these products.

There is a 3-modes of operation: rotation only, hammering with rotation, and hammering only. The variable speed trigger enables the user to match the speed to the application. It is ideal for a range of trades including mechanical/electrical/plumbing contractors, concrete contractors, road and bridge contractors, utility workers, pest control, maintenance operations, and more. It accepts SDS-PLUS bits.

For reduced vibration, it’s equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT®). More than just a padded handle, AVT is an internal counterbalance that uses air pressure to move counterweight pistons in the opposite direction of the drive piston to actively reduce vibration without a compromise in performance.

It’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion system, the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita created Star Protection Computer Controls™. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating. For increased versatility, the tool can also be powered by Makita 18V LXT® and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol on the battery indicating Star Protection inside.

New Milwaukee Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades Make More Cuts with Less Blade Changes Last May, at the annual New Tool Symposium (NPS) we got to test out the then announced extreme band saw blades coming from Milwaukee. Here’s a video from the event with the official news release announcing the blades and availability (below)
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New Milwaukee Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades Make More Cuts with Less Blade Changes

Last May, at the annual New Tool Symposium (NPS) we got to test out the then announced extreme band saw blades coming from Milwaukee. Here’s a video from the event with the official news release announcing the blades and availability (below):

MILWAUKEE, WI- Milwaukee Tool announces Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades that cut 2x faster and last 3X longer than standard blades in thick and thin metals. When it comes to band saw blades, the biggest user frustration is the frequency of changing out the blade. Milwaukee’s new blades solve this frustration through a combination of enhanced high-speed steel and a variable TPI tooth design, making 2X faster cuts in thick metals and achieving 3X longer life in stainless steel. These features also unlock the ability to cut through cast iron!

The Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades will be available in two variations: Thick Metal Blade and Thin Metal Blade which are both available in all portable Milwaukee band saw sizes. The Thick Metal Blade (8/10 TPI) is optimized to provide best-in-class performance when cutting through thick/extreme metals such as black pipe and angle iron but has the additional versatility to cut common thin metals. The Thin Metal Blade (12/14 TPI) is optimized for best-in-class cuts in thin/extreme metals such as unistrut or EMT conduit but also provides strong performance in tougher thick metals.

The aggressive variable-pitched tooth design of these blades delivers the versatility to cut a wider range of materials with just one blade, providing much longer life in common and extreme materials such as strut, conduit, angle iron, threaded rod, and pipe, and even harder materials like stainless steel and cast iron.

Milwaukee Tools is adding to their already stout shop storage catalog with three new heavy duty options. Way back in 2015 we saw the first entry into Milwaukee’s shop toolbox lineup with the 46″ steel storage chest, see that here. Today we learned about two new mobile workbenches and a new 56″ high capacity steel
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Milwaukee Tools is adding to their already stout shop storage catalog with three new heavy duty options. Way back in 2015 we saw the first entry into Milwaukee’s shop toolbox lineup with the 46″ steel storage chest, see that here. Today we learned about two new mobile workbenches and a new 56″ high capacity steel storage chest. Here are all the details we have at this time, if possible we will share reviews in the coming months.

40″ Stainless Steel Top Mobile Work Bench

40” Mobile Work Bench

Available with either a wood or stainless steel top, the new 40” Mobile Work Bench is built with heavy duty 18-gauge steel, a reinforced frame, and 5” industrial casters for ultimate durability. The work bench’s 6 drawers include a 100lb soft close feature, a large bottom drawer, and a total weight capacity of 1,800 lbs. For added utility, the work bench also features tool organizers, a bolt-on utility shelf, a built-in power center for instant access to power.

56″ Steel storage Cabinet & Chest

56” High Capacity Steel Storage Cabinet & Chest

The new 56” High Capacity Steel Storage Cabinet & Chest is built with heavy duty 18-gauge steel, a reinforced frame, and 6” industrial casters for ultimate durability. The Storage Cabinet & Chest’s 18 drawers include 150lb soft close slides, two large bottom drawers, and a total weight capacity of 3,000 lbs. These drawers are also deeper than Milwaukee’s other steel storage options, with a peak depth of 22” for additional storage space. For added utility, the work bench also features tool holders, a folding utility shelf, a built-in power center for instant access to power, and USB ports. Unique to this unit is an electronic lock for secure storage of tools without the hassle of a key.